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Fall 2014 - Volume 16
Snellville Spirit Magazine is produced by:
Snellville Tourism & Trade Association
Fall is finally upon us; it’s my favorite time of the year. The
hustle and bustle of summer is behind us, evenings are beginning
to cool and the excitement of football season is finally here.
We’ve planned a phenomenal fall line-up of family friendly
events here in Snellville that we hope you’ll enjoy. On Sunday,
September 21st, join us at the fourth annual Around the World
Visits Snellville festival, celebrating the many different heritages
of those who are proud to be somebody in Snellville. It’s a
great opportunity to experience a sampling of the many cultures
represented in our community. I would also like to invite you to
attend the Fifth Annual Snellville Fall Festival on October 25th.
We’re planning a fun-filled family day! Enjoy the harvest season
before we begin the hectic days of the holidays.

Snellville Tourism and Trade Association’s mission is to
promote business, tourism and events in the City of Snellville.
President
Don Britt
Vice President
Gretchen Schulz
Secretary
Ronnie Bentley
Treasurer
Krish Dhokia
Board Member
Stephen Brust

Bringing awareness to our community is important to me,
and as we settle into our fall routines and events, I’d like to
encourage you to make a habit of shopping locally. Several
years ago, the Small Business Saturday campaign brought an
awareness of “Mom & Pop Shops,” locally owned restaurants,
and neighborhood producers. But “buy local” is more than just an
incentive or promotional marketing tool; for many of our locally
owned businesses, it is the difference between a successful year
or closing the doors. By keeping dollars in our local economy,
we create an environment in which small businesses flourish and
jobs stay in our community. And though Small Business Saturday
is on November 29th, I challenge you to make this initiative a
personal one that you can practice and promote every day. You
can make a difference.

Executive Director
Kelly McAloon

Throughout this fall season, we’ve got more music, movies, the
Art Commission’s Ghost Tours and activities planned for your
enjoyment, right here in town! You can find more information
about these and other events in this edition of the Snellville Spirit
or visit our website at www.SnellvilleTourism.com.

Community Garden @ Snellville’s new Pavilion
Right in our own backyard!
Entreprneurial Tool Box

FARMERS MARKET WRAP-UP

And what a bountiful summer it was!

THE SCARECROWS ARE COMING!

The Second Annual Scarecrow Contest in Snellville

COP CAB

Take your choice!

AFTER HOURS
22 BUSINESS
The ultimate networking event!
& RECREATION
24 PARKS
Schedules and activities for the whole family.
ON THE GO!
30 SENIORS
Lots of things going on for Snellville’s seniors.
K-9 UNIT
32 SNELLVILLE’S
More than your average working dog!
SUMMER FULL OF FUN
34 AA photographic
round-up of Summer in Snellville
FOR BUSINESS
36 OPEN
Snellville is a businesss-friendly city.
FALL RECIPES
38 Favorite
recipes for cooler evenings!
5 5

Come and experience a world of culture...right here in
Snellville ... at the city’s only international festival. On Sunday,
September 21st, Snellville Tourism & Trade presents the fourth
annual Around the World Visits Snellville. Last year’s event
was a big hit, as more than a thousand people enjoyed a variety
of international foods, performances and exhibits.
This year, enjoy favorites like Japanese Swordmanship of
Gwinnett and the sensational Heidi Hernandez of Jahara Phoenix
Dance Company along with new performances by Indian dancers,
Moksha, and African storyteller Akbar Imohtep. We will also
feature authentic menus ranging from Greek to Mexican cuisine
with a variety of cooking demonstrations and cultural exhibits.

Join neighbors and friends as we celebrate Snellville’s growing
international community with a dazzling array of international
art, cultural displays, traditional costumes, music and an array of
global flavors to entice the palate. Get your “passport” stamped
from each of the countries represented to document your
experiences throughout the day.
Bring the whole family for a fun-filled, educational day
dedicated to culture, food and family.
For more information, please go to the Snellville Tourism and
Trade website at www.SnellvilleTourism.com.

Global Sports Zone • International Kids Craft Zone
Dancers and Drummers from Around the World
Cooking Demonstrations • Parade of Nations at Noon
Japanese Swordsmanship of Gwinnett
Wide Variety of International Flavors to Satisfy Any Palate
Celebrating the Ultimate Cultural Experience
Cultural Attire Encouraged

7

FIFTH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
Noon - 7:00 p.m. on the Towne Green
As the leaves start to change to the warm colors of Fall, we are busy planning our Fifth
Annual Fall Festival. Bring your entire family for an enjoyable experience filled with
great fun and lasting memories. Over 75 craft vendors will line the street in Oak Road
and around the Towne Green. The smell of festival food will fill the air only to bring you
flavors that will satisfy every palate. Join us for great family-friendly entertainment,
fun, food, music and the following activities throughout the day:

ON THE LAWN
September 13 - 6-9 p.m.
On the Towne Green
An evening of jazz under the stars in
Snellville! Food Trucks will be on site. Beer
and wine will be available for purchase.

October 25 - 7-9 p.m.
On the Towne Green

The last in our concert series, the Fall
Festival welcomes the music of Snellvilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
favorite band - Banks & Shane!

Presented by:

9

HAVE A GHOSTLY TIME IN SNELLVILLE

THE CONTEST
The Snellville Arts Commission thanks all the entrants
in the Snellville Ghost Tours Ghost Writing Contest. It was
a tough competition ... a lucky thirteen excellent stories
were submitted! The writing contest, sponsored by www.
PlayingwithMurder.com, was judged by Mayor Kelly Kautz,
SAC Chairman Kirk Buis, Snellville Pubic Information
Officer Brian Arrington, and Arts Commission members
Jean Baldwin and Judy Leavell.
The first place winner was Jonathan Cates’ “The Ghost
Bride.” Kelli Harvey’s “Untitled Ghost Story” won second
place, and Marlene Ratledge Buchanan won third place with
“Even the Grass Won’t Grow.”
Mr. Cates will have his story printed in Snellville Scene,
the Arts Commission magazine. His ghost, along with those
in the other stories, will be the featured ghost in the Ghost
Tour.
THE TOUR

www.SnellvilleArts.com

The Snellville Arts Council will host tours October 24th,
October 31st, and November 1st from 7-9 p.m. at Snellville’s
City Hall. There will be a Snellville Ghost for each decade
of Snellville’s history and visitors will be guided by ghosts
and ghouls from stage, screen and literature ... you might
see Lily Munster, Beetlejuice, the Ghost of Christmas Past
or even Dracula!

WANT TO BE A GHOULISH GUIDE?
Please check the Snellville Arts website for
opportunities for auditions and rehearsal schedules:
www.SnellvilleArts.com

10

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

11

NEW PROJECTS CONTINUE TO ENHANCE
the Community Garden @ Snellville

Another dream is coming true for the Community Garden @ Snellville. A
beautiful pavilion has been erected in the garden this summer.
The structure has been paid for with funds raised at the 2013 and 2014 Casino
Night events, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Gwinnett Sunrise, Greater
Eastside Chamber of Commerce, Snellville Tourism and Trade Association and
the Community Garden @ Snellville Committee. Additional funds have been
donated by the Snellville Farmers’ Market to bring the total up to what was
needed to build the pavilion this year.
“We’re very proud of this addition to the garden,” said Kurt Schulz, Community
Garden @ Snellville Committee co-chair. “Not only is it a handsome focal
point in the garden, it also provides shade for the gardeners and will serve as an
outdoor classroom when the master gardeners on our committee wish to teach
classes for the community.”
While the structure itself is complete, additional work is still planned before
the pavilion will be finished, including electrical work, a concrete pad, a water
feature and landscaping.
Another garden project will be underway this fall. Six raised beds are being
constructed as an Eagle Scout project by a team led by Michael Habetler of Boy
Scout Troop 506. Michael is a senior at Brookwood High School and is the son
of Bridget and Thomas Habetler. Some of the funds for his project come from
a very special source. His grandfather, Steve Penskowski, was an avid gardener
and when he passed away, Michael’s grandmother gave some of the money
donated in her husband’s memory to Michael’s mother and asked that it be used
for something to do with gardening. When Michael began to pursue the idea of
building raised beds for the Community Garden @ Snellville for his Eagle Scout
project, it seemed like a perfect tribute to his grandfather.
The Community Garden @ Snellville is very grateful to all the groups that are
helping to make the garden a very special place in our city.

The Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
IS GROWING IN SNELLVILLE’S BACKYARD
by Caitlin Costello and Eric Van Otteren
On August 5th the new school year began with a new crop
of students seeking to start their own businesses. Before we
expand the focus to these newest entrepreneurs, I would like to
share with you the progress of Weed ‘Em and Reap.
Weed ‘Em and Reap is a landscape design company started
in 2013 by Erica Mills and Caitlin Costello, two students of
Cindy Quinlan in the Entrepreneurship Alliance program at
Brookwood High School. Last May, the company participated
in the Snellville Shark Tank and was rewarded a $1,000
investment for the business. The students then advanced to
the second round of Shark Tank where they were granted the
title of Best Young Entrepreneurs of 2014. The award has been
used to purchase a trailer and hitch to allow the landscape
teams to transport equipment and materials.
Through the publicity of these events as well as the feature
in the Spring 2014 edition of the Snellville Spirit, the young
entrepreneurs have received around eight job requests and
have completed three this summer. One of the completed jobs
was a full-scale, professional remodel of a client’s front yard.
The girls were able to hire an employee over the summer
and have already hired another to work with them during the
school year.

in a short time period from the passion of the two girls and the
efforts of the Snellville Entrepreneurship Alliance. Erica Mills
starts in the Landscape Architecture program at UGA this fall
and will work in the business as her schedule allows. Caitlin
Costello is beginning the Entrepreneurship Alliance II class
at Brookwood and is continuing to expand her knowledge of
business operations including the hiring of employees.
Weed ‘Em and Reap is now looking to expand their
customer base by beginning to research possible advertising
outlets. They are also looking to possibly hire more employees
throughout the year as they hope to receive job requests more
frequently.
Erica and Caitlin look forward to the this year’s crop of
entrepreneurs and the successes and opportunities they will
chase.
To further support Weed ‘Em and Reap and keep in touch
with their progress, please visit their website:
www.weedemandreaponline.weebly.com
Also follow them on Facebook,
Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest:
Facebook
Weed ‘Em and Reap: A Landscape Design Company
Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest
@weedemandreapco

Weed ‘Em and Reap is a landscape design company created
out of an intense love of landscaping and has become successful

• The “one stop” for entrepreneurs to get started on
the right path to success
• Direct, ongoing advice, mentoring and tools for
private businesses at all stages of growth
• Precise focus on developing actual business solutions
and continuous improvement of business results
• The benefit of networking and collaborating with
(non‐competing) entrepreneurial “peers”

…To Meet
These
Demands
From Core
Customers

• Actual/tangible business solutions that can be
implemented
• Access to reliable information and tools
• Personalized advice and mentoring
• Cutting‐edge business thinking and processes
• Addressing the needs of the business…and the needs
of the entrepreneur

Are you looking for the answers to your business questions in all the wrong places? The City of
Snellville collaborates with a variety of resources to help you succeed in your business endeavor.
Have you heard of the Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), SCORE, or the Snellville
Entrepreneur Council? Do you know about the Snellville Commerce Club, the business resources at
your local Gwinnett library, and the Small Business Administration (SBA)? The resources abound,
however, why is it that I so often hear, “I did not know about that!”
The City of Snellville is working hard to bring the business resources you need to be successful
right here in the community. The Snellville Entrepreneur Council and the City of Snellville
Economic Development Office are planning a business resource evening on September 23. The
program will start about 6:30 p.m. The location is still to be determined. Representatives from
a number of business resources will be on site to share their information. One key presentation
will be from the SBA. Jorge Valentin-Stone will share with the participants an overview of
SBA programs and be able to answer your questions.

Economic Development Fall 2014

ANSWERS ANYONE?

This opportunity is focused on providing you with answers to your questions. Bring
your business challenges and you will have opportunity to share them with someone in
the know. You will leave the session with answers and connections to important resources.

Snellville Entrepreneur Summit
WHEN:

October 21st at 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Snellville City Hall

TOPIC:

Hiring and Engaging People Who Will Help
An overview of how to hire people that will
contribute to the success of your business.

For more information e-mail: economicdevelopment@snellville.org
or call Eric Van Otteren, City of Snellville Economic Development Manager, 770.985.3502.

Solutions Seminar
An opportunity for hands on training.
Come away from this training having done it! You can register at www.snellville.org/
solutionsseminar. There is one remaining Solutions Seminar planned for this year.
November 15, 2014 - Hiring & Engaging People Who Will Help You…Not Hurt You
Guest speaker Dennis Daniels will help you figure how to hire engaging people who will
help your business grow.
This in-depth discussion will focus on:
•

Knowing who’s fully engaged in your business...and how to keep them that way.
For more information e-mail: economicdevelopment@snellville.org or call
Eric Van Otteren, City of Snellville Economic Development Manager, 770.985.3502.
15

ANOTHER GREAT SEASON
at Snellville Farmers Market

Recently referred to as the “Mother of all Gwinnett
farmers’ markets,” Snellville’s Farmers Market
finishes up its 5th season at the end of September.
The Market has reached award-winning status
because of the amazing volunteers who provide a
warm welcome to Snellville each week as vendors
provide farm-fresh produce and baked goods
straight from the oven. The Snellville Farmers’
Market, held on the Towne Green, is a community
gathering place that nourishes the community with
healthy options for the table as well as fellowship
with neighbors.
Organizers are already planning for the 2015
season. For more information, you can follow the
Snellville Farmers’ Market on Facebook or on the
website: www.SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com.

16

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Calling all business owners, schools,
churches, and residents to join in the fun!
Great advertising for businesses, too!
Entrance fee is $20.
How will this work? You create a scarecrow and put it on display outside your business,
school, church, home or club. We’ll make sure that there is a map of all locations
where Scarecrows are on display for voting. Patrons will be encouraged to visit your
location and vote on who has the BEST SCARECROW in Snellville.
Contest is available to everyone in Snellville.
To ensure that your scarecrow is on the map, the deadline to
receive the registration form is October 4th.
Voting will run from October 11 – 24th. You will bring your scarecrow to the
Snellville FALL FESTIVAL on the Towne Green on Oct. 25th for display. Contest
winners will be announced at 5:30 PM during the Fall Festival and then your scarecrows
will be auctioned off to the highest bidder with bids starting at $10.00. Scarecrows need
to be able to stand on their own; delivery is to be made to the designated spot behind the
stage on the the Towne Green on Saturday, October 25th by 10 AM. Please include a 3 x 5
card clearly marked with the scarecrow’s name, your name and business information.
The winning scarecrows (1st, 2nd & 3rd Place) will be presented a trophy and cash prizes
(1st-$100.00, 2nd- $75.00 and 3rd- $50.00) and also receive recognition on our
Snellville Tourism and Trade website and Facebook page. The winning scarecrow will
be judged on creativity, overall presentation. BE CREATIVE AND HAVE FUN!
All proceeds from the auction
will benefit the Gwinnett
Southeast Food Co-op.
Your money will go
to a worthy cause!
Any questions can be sent to
kelmca@comcast.net or
call Kelly McAloon
at 770-310-0429

For more information, rules, tips, and applications visit www.SnellvilleTourism.com

Quick & Easy Cash Loans $25 - $10,000

WE BUY

Pawn Broker / Federal Firearms
Class III Licensed Dealer
We are a family-owned full service pawn broker/
retail merchant, located in downtown Snellville,
GA. We first opened our doors in 1994, and
have served thousands of customers. People
come from all over Georgia to take advantage
of our great deals and great customer service.

Come visit us at our new store location
at 1882 Athens Highway/Hwy 78,
right beside QuikTrip.

GOLD
&
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770-978-7079

For specials, visit us on Facebook @ Hill Top Pawn, Inc.

Home of
Snellville’s
Hot Wings
Cold Beer
Good Times
15% OFF
LUNCH
Mon-Fri

ANNUAL TIP-A-COP
October 16
One of the primary goals of the Snellville Police Department
is to work with residents in a proactive and positive way to
keep city residents safe. And on October 16th from 5:30 pm
to 9:30 pm, you will see many of Snellville’s finest waiting
tables at O’Charley’s on Scenic Highway.
Tip-A-Cop, now in its sixth year, is an annual event
sponsored by the Snellville Citizens Police Academy Alumni
Association (SCPAAA). The event, which has always been
held at O’Charley’s, is a fun evening featuring Snellville
police officers assisting the restaurant waitstaff in serving
diners. In return, O’Charleys donates 10 percent of food sales
to the SCPAAA. Tips are distributed between the officers,
on behalf of the SCPAAA, and waitstaff according to the
customer’s wishes.
The event also includes a bake sale with items donated by
SCPAAA members and typically raises between $1800.00
and $2000.00 for the organization. The money is used to
cover police department expenses and enhancements not
included in the annual city budget. The money has been
used to purchase a K9 officer and train both the dog and his

handler; pet insurance for the K9s; additional computers and
printers; flat-screen televisions for the interrogation rooms;
personal cameras, earpieces and flashlights for the officers;
lightweight white shirts for officers doing police duty for
summer events; sponsorship of the annual Gwinnett County
Valor Awards; sponsorship of Snellville’s new Cop Cab; and
Christmas decorations for the department’s building.
“Tip-A-Cop is a way that a business can involve the local
citizens to help the community, “ said SCPAAA president
Mary Fergus. “It’s also another way to showcase our awesome
community.”

The Cops and Robbers 5K and 10K run will follow a
beautiful course through Briscoe Park
and surrounding neighborhoods.
4
1
20
Proceeds benefit
the Snellville Citizens
Police Academy Alumni
and the Snellville Rotary Club

October 11, 2014
Pre-registration ends October 4, 2014

7:00 am:
Registration/Check In
8:00 am:
10K Start - 13 years and older
9:00 am:
5K Start - 13 years and older
Must be registered & checked in at least 30 minutes before the start of your event

Event Sponsorships are available.
For more information email copsandrobbersruninfo@gmail.com

Gwi

or register online at www.eventbrite.com and “Search Event”
2014 Cops and Robbers Run

ett Sun
nn

e
ris

Applications maybe printed at www.copsandrobbersrun.net and then mail
your registration form and check made payable to
SCPAAA to P.O. Box 1203, Snellville, GA 30078

ar y C l u

2014

presented by

The Snellville Police Department

Tuesday, September 30th, 2014
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Members of the Snellville Police Department will be out in force
hosting its annual Snellville Public Safety Night on the
Snellville Towne Green (in front of city hall).
Bring the family for some fun and get some great information on
protecting yourself, your family, your pets, your home & business
and your personal identity. Meet and speak
with members of your police department.

The event is free
and all are encouraged to attend.

Eddie Eagle, a Treasure Hunt & a drawing will keep
the kids engaged & entertained.
A Flag Ceremony will begin at 5:30 pm
Police vehicles with anti-crime accessories, tactical equipment & weapons & the SRT
(special response team) will be on display. County Fire Equipment & personnel will be
on hand. EMS and 1st responders will be available with information.

DO YOU WANT TO RIDE HOME IN A TAXI ...
or the back seat of a police car?
That’s the question Snellville Councilman Bobby Howard wants
you to think about when you see the city’s Cop Cab-- and when
you may have had too much to drink.
A refurbished police car, the Cop Cab made its debut in June and
will be placed in locations around the city as a visual reminder that
if you’ve had too much to drink, you have a choice; you can drive
home drunk and risk having an accident being arrested or worse
someone dies or you can call a cab. The now-retired police car is
painted to look like a Snellville police car on the front half and a
taxi cab on the back half.

Howard said it is designed to point out the cost difference
between taking a $40 cab ride home and a $10,000 driving while
under the influence arrest.
Howard and Police Chief Roy
Whitehead point out that the vehicle
will not be providing cab service. Its
purpose is to raise public awareness of the
tremendous costs and hardships caused by
drunk driving, and the simple, safe and
low cost alternative.

... the vehicle will
not be providing
cab service ...

“I want to express my thanks to everyone who has supported this project.”
Howard said. “This vehicle will be a great ambassador for our city and we
will begin immediately sending it out into the community. The car really
looks fantastic and many thanks go to Kathy Emanuel and A Better Sign for
getting it done!”

BusinessAfterHours
Thursday, October 30th • 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Summit Chase Country Club
Snellville Tourism and Trade, Greater Eastside
Chamber of Commerce and New Lawrenceville
had another successful networking event in July
with local business owners and citizens in our
community. This is a great way to find out what
is happening in and around our community.

basis. We are adding a little more fun to
the mix at our October 30th Halloween
Networking Party. Come dressed in
your business attire or in a costume for
your chance to win a prize for “Most
Creative Costume” or “Overall Best Costume”.

We invite you to join these three
POWERHOUSE networking groups for one
of the largest networking events in Gwinnett
County. You do not need to be a member to
participate in this event and it is absolutely
FREE to attend. Promotional business tables
will be available on a first come first serve

A big thank you to Summit Chase Country
Club for being the perfect host on October 30th
and Fratelli’s Pizzaeria Restaurant NY Style in
Snellville for sponsoring the food for this event.

Save the Date!
Mark your calendar and start
the holidays in Snellville!
Start planning your Christmas
float ... bring out the lights
and the holiday music ...
join us for Snellville’s first
Lighted Christmas Parade!

August, 2014 will forever be known as the month that Social Media
brought awareness to ALS (Amytrophic Latereal Sclerosis), or Lou
Gehrig’s Disease. Ice bucket challenges with video evidence made
Facebook sensations of those who participated. Perry Eidson, owner
of Stone Mountain Ice in Snellville, challenged the Snellville Police
Department to “bring it” ... Officers showed up along with members
of Snellville’s Council and administration. A community of supporters
stood side-by-side with officers who wanted to make a difference and
bring awareness to the cause. More than just getting cooled off on a
steamy August day, the effort raised more than $250.

November 29th
Parade Begins at 5:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting at 7:00 p.m.
For more details please visit our website
at www.snellvilletourism.com
Christmas Parade applications will be
posted on-line by September 15th.
23

Park office is open
Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on registration and classes,
check out the Parks & Recreation Department
on Snellville’s website www.Snellville.org
(on the left hand side, choose Departments
and then Parks & Recreation) or visit our Facebook
page at facebook.com/SnellvilleParks

NOTE: WE ARE NOW RENTING ALL FACILITIES (EXCEPT THE BETTY MCMICHAEL ROOM) ON ALL HOLIDAYS
Rent any 4 hour time period from 7 am to 10 pm; all fees including deposits are due up front;
deposit is refunded after the rental if all conditions of the rental are met.

Rent any 4 hour time period from 7 am to 10 pm; all fees including deposits are due up front;
deposit is refunded after the rental if all conditions of the rental are met.
For room or pavilion rentals, please call the park office at (770) 985-3535.
Field Rentals call Chris Madden (770) 985-3533. We accept cash, check, money order, Visa, or MC

COMPUTER CLASSES $40/9 Classes - 3 Weeks
Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday
Call Senior Center for dates and times.
Prerequisite: Students should have an e-mail address
and be able to send and receive e-mails.

EXERCISE
We offer a variety of exercise opportunities for our members.
AEROBIC CLASSES
9:15 a.m. Light Impact and 10:15 a.m. Medium Impact every Monday & Thursday at no charge.
PILATES
Tuesday & Friday at 10 a.m. $3 per class
ZUMBA
Tuesday at 11 a.m.$5 per class.
Our weight room consists of two bicycles and two arm and
two leg machines. You will need to participate in one of our
training classes to utilize the equipment.

BINGO
First Friday of each month. Bring a
snack to share and join in the fun.
Who knows? You could be a winner!

ACTIVITIES & TRIPS
The Senior Center offers day and overnight trips as well as special events.
Information is updated bi-monthly in the Snellville Senior
Center Spotlight Newsletter which includes a current calendar of
events. Newsletters can be picked up at the Senior Center or found
on our website at www.snellville.org. Please contact the Senior
Center for more information and to register ahead for classes or trips.
Senior Center Hours - Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m
770-985-3580

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

2014 Senior Center Annual Memberships (January-December)
Snellville City Limit Residents $15 Gwinnett County Residents $25
Join after July 1 and the cost for the remainder of the year
is only $9 for City Residents and $15 for County Residents.
Additional persons from the same household receive a $5 discount

31

SNELLVILLE K-9 OFFICERS
These dogs are more than just “man’s best friend.”
by Brian Arrington
The dogs of the Snellville Police Department K-9 Unit are partners who
protect and help officers each day in the line of duty. They are also beloved
family members of the officers who bring them home each night.
It’s been 10 years since the Snellville Police Department K-9 Unit has been
on city streets. In that time the dogs and their handlers have been called into
service more than 26,000 times and taken part in 1,420 arrests.

K-9 Officer Euro

BY THE NUMBERS
The Snellville Police Department K-9 Unit
was formed in 2004. The following is data
collected in the more than 10 years of the
unit’s existence through July 2014.
Calls for service....................... 26,813

“The Snellville Police Department K-9 Unit has been instrumental in locating
people and contraband since its inception,” said Chief Roy Whitehead. “The
officers and their K-9 partners are dedicated to patrolling our streets in an effort
to prevent crime and serve as a force multiplier. However, once an incident
occurs, they are ready to respond and always perform at a high level.”
The K-9 unit’s service is well-respected in Snellville as evidenced by the
death of Euro years after he retired. A resolution and proclamation were read
into the record at a city council meeting in April, just days after the dog passed
away. Euro was one of the original dogs in Snellville K-9 unit; he was trained
by Officer Dennis Peters and lived with his family. April 2, 2014 was declared
Euro Day in the city and Peters received a key to the city on Euro’s behalf.
Pictures of the dog are still on display in the city’s police station, showing the
mark Euro left on the department.
“While tracking from the scene of a homicide, Officer Peters and K-9 Euro
located a mask and sweatshirt worn by the perpetrator,” Whitehead recalls of
Euro’s service. “This find was instrumental in identifying a suspect who has
now been charged with murder.”
Whitehead worked to get a K-9 Unit for Snellville after experiencing its
benefits while working in a South Carolina department. There are currently four
dog teams. Sergeants David Matson and Will Collins and officers Peters and
J.R. Huff are the handlers - Chris, Coop, Bart and Tox are the dogs. Together
the teams cover the city 24 hours per day seven days each week.
While each dog has been trained for different skills, the units can cover tasks
including apprehension, drug detection, tracking and explosives sniffing. The
teams not only cover Snellville but they are called to other nearby municipalities
which do not have K-9 units regularly.
“We are very lucky to have four dog teams here,” Matson said. “There is
always going to be a need for dog teams.”
Matson’s dog, Chris, is near retirement. His replacement is waiting in the
wings, currently training at a Pennsylvania kennel, learning the ropes of police
work. Most police dogs are shepherds and are imported from Germany or
Holland. As a puppy in training they can command upwards of $7,000. Training
can last up to three months before a dog is fit for service. Then once on the job,
police dogs are required to continue training four hours per week.

Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

Matson will pick up his partner in October, allowing Chris to
retire. Chris will live the life of a retired hero at the Matson home
as a family dog.
Matson explains that the bond between police dogs and their
handlers is unique. “Some people that just have a dog say, ‘I have
a cocker spaniel at home, I know what you go through.’ No you
don’t.”
“That dog is never going to do a job for you. That dog is never
going to jump out and save your life in a life or death situation.
They do it because it’s expected. It is very hard to think that … if
we go out on a call and he gets killed how it will affect me. But if
the worst-case scenario happens he did what he loved doing.”
Snellville’s unit has been fortunate that they have not lost a K-9
officer in the line of duty.
The dog wears two collars – one on the job and the other at
home. When the collars change, the functions change. According
to Matson, when a dog is on the job, it’s all business and when the
dog is at home, he is a part of the family, just like any other dog.
“These dogs, when they go home, they get to be off duty just like
us,” Matson said. “They are truly part of the family.”

Officer Matson with K-9 Officer Chris
Chris sleeps on Matson’s bed, he cuddles with his children, but
when it’s time to work Chris “certainly knows when it’s time to go
to work,” he said.
Not only are the dogs a crime deterrent, but they also help the
department with public relations. The dogs are a big hit at festivals,
events like Public Safety Night and at school visits. Matson wants
people to know the unit’s dogs are not aggressive, they are just
doing their job. When it’s time to greet a classroom full of children,
the dogs are up to the task.
“I want my dog to be as social as possible,” Matson said. “But
when I tell him to do his job he will do his job and continue to do
his job.”
For more information on the SPD K-9 Unit visit: www.facebook.
com/Snellville.Police.K9

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by Brian Arrington
Apparently the word is out about Snellville’s business-friendly confines.
It seems almost every week city officials gather at the front door of a new
business to cut a ribbon, welcoming the enterprise to Snellville.
Large companies like Cabana Grill, RaceTrac and Goodwill are just some
of the recent businesses that have opened in new locales in the city. Denny’s,
Krispy Kreme, Pollo Tropical and Chipotle are all on the way. For these large
businesses, drawing customers is not a problem considering the heavy flow
of traffic on Highway 124. The city’s location between Atlanta and Athens
make it an attractive area to catch shoppers from the suburbs of both cities.
Smaller, independently owned businesses like Rice Box, Lincoln Fill
Station & Home Brew, Resurgens Ortheopaedics and Covenant Health
Pharmacy have also opened their doors within city limits recently.
The city offers plenty of resources for small businesses to assist in startup and continued success. Snellville’s Economic Development Office
offers the Snellville Business Toolbox (snellvillebusinesstoolbox.com), a
website which helps local businesses grow from concept to grand opening
and beyond. Smaller business owners can also count on plenty of help from
other businesses in the way of networking and mentoring. With the help of
Snellville Tourism and Trade’s Commerce Club (snellvillecommerceclub.
org) and the Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce (eastsidechamber.com)
there are plenty of local opportunities locally.
It would seem that Snellville’s recent wealth of grand openings is reflective
of a rebound in the national and local economy.
“The key is that while the economy is still in flux, indicators show it is
getting a little better,” said Greater Eastside Chamber of Commerce President
Jamie Dempsey. “People are finding they have to create their own work as
opposed to going to work for others. Snellville and its businesses are reaping
the benefits of this economy.”
It’s a trend both city leaders and business owners hope continues.

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Snellville, Where Everybody’s Proud to be Somebody

770-809-5241
1573 Athens Hwy
Grayson, Ga
Www.Securlock.com

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Heated and Cooled Units

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Boxes and Packing Supplies

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Reserve/Pay/Manage Account on Line

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Teacher and Medical Field Discounts

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Private Coded Access

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Free Truck use with Move In

Don’t miss our monthly moving box sales
this fall!
Call our store for the Sept thru December
featured box size of the Month!
And don’t forget propane for your gas grill
this fall-we have it!

In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground
beef; drain. Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a
boil; reduce heat and simmer to blend the flavors. If desired,
garnish with a spoonful of sour cream, shredded cheese and
broken tortilla chips.
Candace Pulliam
Administration Department, City of Snellville

Saute chopped chicken and bacon in oil over med-high
heat until cooked to a golden brown color.
Drain oil from pan, leave the chicken and bacon in the
pan, then add butter and mushrooms and Saute for one
minute.
Add Marsala wine and saute an additional minute. Add
in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with
salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil until the sauce
thickens, then add in the spinach and stir in the chicken
stock. Take off the stove and serve over fettuccine.
Garnish with fresh tomatoes.
Makes 4 servings
Chef Danny Gomez
Fratelli’s Pizzeria Restaurant New York Style
Snellville

You can get your copy of “Nourishing
Our Community” at the Snellville
Farmers’ Market. Follow us on
Facebook or online at www.
SnellvilleFarmersMarket.com
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